The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover in Benin, urging full adherence to the country’s constitution.
The statement, released from Abuja on Sunday, came after a group of soldiers announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. The soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), claimed to act in response to perceived security lapses and grievances within the military.
ECOWAS expressed dismay over the report of the coup and commended the efforts of the Beninese government and armed forces in restoring control. “The leaders of the plot are individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions,” the bloc said. “ECOWAS will support the government and people in all necessary ways to defend the Constitution and territorial integrity of Benin.”
The announcement comes amid a wave of recent coups in the region, including in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and follows military takeovers in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso.
Reports of gunfire were confirmed by the French Embassy in Benin near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence, prompting a security advisory for French nationals to stay indoors.
Despite the brief military announcement, Talon’s office reassured the public that the president remained safe and that the regular army was regaining control. “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The city and the country are completely secure,” Talon’s team told AFP.
President Talon, 67, has led Benin for a decade and is scheduled to step down in April next year, marking the end of his constitutionally allowed two terms.
